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Category Archives: dessert recipe

10 Homemade Holiday Gifts

18 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by Nicole Small in chocolate, dessert recipe, Holidays

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dessert recipe, gift guide, gluten free, holiday, holiday gift guide, holidays, homemade gifts, recipe, sweets, vegetarian

My favorite kind of gifts to give are always homemade – they make the most wonderful and memorable presents. This Homemade Holiday Gift Guide contains some of my favorite recipes just for this purpose.

I think homemade holiday gifts are even more thoughtful than a store bought gift, especially when they come from your kitchen! I love knowing that someone created a special treat just for me. These are great presents to give to loved ones, friends, and even teachers, neighbors and coworkers. They are perfect for the person who seems to have everything. It would be easy to pick 2 or 3, make a big batch, and then wrap them up to spread some holiday cheer!

10 Homemade Holiday Gifts // Tsiporah Blog

Last year I threw a holiday party and I pulled out all of the stops: white elephant gift exchange, photo booth, ugly sweaters and a cookie exchange! It was amazing, and the cookie exchange was a great way to experience the special holiday treats that my friends enjoy. I can’t create the same winter wonderland in my tiny apartment, but I can enjoy a little piece of it by creating some yummy gifts for my friends and family – and so can you! Put down those candy canes and checkout these 10 gift ideas:

1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Spoons

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Spoons - Holiday Gift Idea // Tsiporah Blog

Peppermint hot chocolate spoons are a cute and easy gift to give (and enjoy for yourself!). I’ve made these multiple years in a row. The first year I made them for my best friend, and after that she has requested them each year, so I make enough to give to all of my close friends. They’re fun to give to everyone on your list because they’re just so easy! I like to include peppermint marshmallows too.

2. Apple Butter

Apple butter goes well with so many foods, from your morning toast to a sweet and tangy marinade. Your gift recipients will be impressed – they’ll have no idea that apple butter so easy to make! It’s easy to pack in a glass jar with a pretty label .

3. A Box of Homemade Cookies

hanukkah cookies for the holidays

Cookies are one of the greatest and most quintessential holiday gifts. Let me tell you three reasons why I love cookies as a gift: First, I often come home and I want a quick, sweet bite, and cookies are just right for this craving. Second, a box of cookies is nice to have around during the holidays to share with guests who come by. Third, it’s fun to try new cookies that you haven’t had before. To spice up your cookie box, check out these recipes from my family to yours:

Holiday Butter Cookies
Lavender Cookies with Lemon Glaze
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Vanilla Bean Cookies

4. Homemade Chocolates

These handmade Peanut Butter Chocolates are the perfect gift for your chocoholic loved ones! Plus, the fact that they are handmade means that you can customize them however you like to suit your friends’ and family’s tastes.

5. Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar

Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar - Holiday Gift Idea by the Kitchn

by the Kitchn

I’ve wanted to make this Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar for 2 years now, and somehow I still haven’t. I have had chocolate balsamic before and I think it would make a beautiful gift. It’s great paired with strawberries, or even… dare I say… vanilla ice cream! Yes, my friends. Yes.

6. Apple Cider Caramels

Deb from Smitten Kitchen is one of my favorite bloggers, and her Apple Cider Caramels look to die for. I haven’t made this specific caramel recipe before but they’re so perfect for the season that I had to include them!

7. Peppermint Crunch Truffles

These Peppermint Crunch Truffles are a fun play on traditional peppermint bark. Plus, these truffles look super fancy and classy, yet they only have 3 ingredients and they are so easy to make!

8. Holiday Spice Pecans

Sweet spiced pecans are one of the best scents ever. You know what I’m talking about, and so does Melanie at A Beautiful Bite. She says, “You know when you go into the mall and smell that wonderful scent that can only mean that there’s a nut vendor somewhere close by? That heady cinnamon sugar smell..?” THAT is what your kitchen will smell like. Yum!

9. Salted Chocolate-Pecan Toffee

Salted Chocolate-Pecan Toffee - Holiday Gift Idea by Sunset

by Sunset Magazine

If you’ve read my blog long enough you’ll know that I love Sunset recipes. Toffee is always welcome in my home, it is one of my favorite desserts! This Salted Chocolate-Pecan Toffee really could not be better. Seriously. Make this and give it to someone. Or make it and mail some to me!

10. Flatbread Crackers with Thyme & Honey

Lastly, a savory recipe, for your friends and family who don’t like sweets (I know, whaaaat, but these people exist). Smitten Kitchen has created a wonderful flatbread recipe that would be just amazing in a gift basket with some fresh sprigs of thyme, a wedge of good cheese and a jar of local honey to enjoy along with it. This would also make a great holiday party appetizer!

If you are looking for clever ways to wrap up all of these goodies, check out my Gift Giving & Holidays Pinterest board! I also pin holiday inspirations, gift ideas and more. Let’s be friends!
What is your go-to homemade holiday treat? Tell me in a comment!

*A Note on Sharing: If you are going to pin the recipe for one of these yummy gifts, please do so from the original source!

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Apple Pie Bars

08 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by Nicole Small in Autumn/Fall, dessert, dessert recipe, Holidays, sweets, Thanksgiving, vegetarian/vegan

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Tags

apple, apple pie, dairy free, dessert, dessert recipe, food, food blog, food blogger, gluten free, holidays, pie, recipe, recipe blog, recipe blogger, sweets, thanksgiving, thanksgiving recipe

Apple Pie is one of the most traditional Autumn and Thanksgiving dessert recipes, alongside Pumpkin Pie and Derby Pie (at least in our house!). The combination of apples with warming spices, a buttery crumble topping and flakey pie crust to hold it all together is just dreamy with these upcoming chilly Autumn days. My suggestion? Cozy up on a Saturday afternoon, bake a batch of these and enjoy them alongside a warm mug of chai tea or coffee with cardamom.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe for Thanksgiving  via Tsiporah Blog

Pies in bar form are brilliant, truly. They are easy to eat, they’re great for on-the-go (think bringing lunch to work, or packing a special treat in your kid’s lunch boxes, or a snack while running out the door…), and they re-heat beautifully. After I made my Derby Pie Bars last year I fell in love with the idea and proceeded to create these Apple Pie Bars.

Autumn Apples

These have all of the flavors of traditional apple pie, yet they are more convenient and easier to eat. They would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table (dessert deserves its own table, obviously). They would also be nice to bring to a party during the holidays, or as a sweet housewarming gift.

Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients

Crust
Whip up a half batch of my favorite cobbler/pie crust recipe

Filling
5 cups apples, peeled and chopped
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp melted butter

Crumble Topping
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cups oatmeal
2/3 cups brown sugar
6 tbsp butter
2 tsp cinnamon

Butter, for the pan

Apple Pie Bars for Autumn via Tsiporah Blog

Directions

Prepare crust as directed and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Peel and chop 5 cups of apples, which is about 6 large apples. Place the chopped apples in a bowl and combine with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar and maple syrup.

In a large skillet with tall sides, melt 3 tbsp butter. Pour the apple mixture in and sauté over low heat just until the apples begin to soften slightly (not more than 10 minutes).

Apple Pie Bars recipe for Thanksgiving Dessert - via Tsiporah Blog

This is obviously not a big enough skillet, which I realized after I took this picture and then I switched pans

While the apples are cooking, combine all ingredients for the crumble topping in a food processor and pulse just to combine. Butter a square or rectangular pan. I used a nice, deep square pan but you can even use a brownie pan.

Roll out the dough and place it in the bottom of the pan, with the sides folded over the edges of the pan.

Tip: The easiest way to do this, which my great grandmother taught me, is to loosely roll the dough onto your rolling pin, hover your rolling pin above your pie pan, and gently unroll the rough so that it falls softly on top of the pan. From there you can gently maneuver and press it down into the bottom.

Apple Pie Bars for Thanksgiving

Pie crust recipe via Tsiporah Blog - how to get pie crust into your pan

Once the apples are done, pour them straight from the skillet into the prepared pan. Press the apples down with a rubber spatula to flatten them and then top with the crumble mix. Trim any extra crust around the edges, or fold it down to create a little bit of a rim around the apple pie bars.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe - Thanksgiving Dessert

Apple pie crumble topping

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, or until the crust and crumble topping are both golden brown. If the crumble begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil.

Baked Apple Pie Bars

Once they are done, let them cool for about 10 minutes before digging in. You can top these with vanilla bean ice cream, or enjoy them as is!

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Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

03 Sunday Nov 2013

Posted by Nicole Small in Autumn/Fall, dairy free, dessert recipe, gluten free, Holidays, Thanksgiving, vegetarian/vegan

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appetizer, appetizer recipe, autumn, dairy free, dessert, dessert recipe, food, food blog, gluten free, holidays, recipe, thanksgiving recipe, vegetarian

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! I don’t know about you but I like to start looking for Thanksgiving recipes and inspiration early on. If you are still creating your menu, I hope this Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup will help you find one or two new recipes to add to your table! I gathered some delicious recipes from Tsiporah Blog, as well as my family’s very favorite stuffing recipe from Sunset Magazine for you to pour over to create your perfect Thanksgiving 2013 menu.

Thanksgiving Recipe Round Up

This year has gone by so fast. I wish I could be home to celebrate with my family; Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, I love spending time together and cooking for everyone. This year, Jewish Americans will probably also be celebrating Thanksgivukkah, as the first night of Hanukkah falls on Thanksgiving. For that reason, I have included a few Thanksgivukkah-inspired recipes as well!

Breakfast

If you have family coming in town, you might want to create special but simple breakfasts for them during their visit. These recipes are relatively easy and great for entertaining. The apple butter can be used for anything from topping english muffins to making Apple Butter Challah, which you can then use for french toast!

Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes via Tsiporah Blog

1. Apple Butter
2. Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Pancakes
3. Wild Mushroom & Leek Quiche
4. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Appetizers and Starters

A simple appetizer can really wow your guests. Here I have included two no-fuss Thanksgiving appetizers as well as a soup and a salad that are both super yummy and hearty for the season.

Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes via Tsiporah Blog

1. Apple, Brie and Fig Crostini
2. Roasted Grapes
3. Perfect Autumn Salad
4. Roasted Cauliflower Soup & Parmesan Dijon Croutons

Sides

Lets admit it: side dishes really are the backbone of Thanksgiving. Sure, you’re excited for the turkey, but what are you really excited for? I am always more excited for the sides, like roasted butternut squash. I also love sweet potato latkes, and they would be perfect for Thanksgivukkah!

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes via Tsiporah Blog

1. Roasted Butternut Squash
2. Brown Sugar & Balsamic Glazed Brussels
3. Sweet Potato Latkes for Thanksgivukkah!
4. Roasted Red Potatoes with Rosemary
5. Artichoke Parmesan Sourdough Stuffing (via Sunset Magazine)

Desserts

Last but not least, the sweets! Break out of your same-old Thanksgiving routine with some of these special desserts, like Derby Pie Bars or Buttery Vanilla Bean Cookies.

Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes via Tsiporah Blog

1. Derby Pie Bars
2. Vanilla Bean Cookies
3. Criss Cross Apple Pies
4. Apple Pie Bars
5. Hanukkah Butter Cookies for Thanksgivukkah!

I hope that you all have a wonderful and fulfilling Thanksgiving. Keep your eyes out for a post in my new Food for Thought series all about being grateful – suiting for this month, don’t you think? Happy Holidays & Happy Cooking!

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Vanilla Bean Cookies

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by Nicole Small in Autumn/Fall, dessert, dessert recipe, sweet, Thanksgiving, vegetarian/vegan

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baked, dessert, dessert recipe, fall, food, food blog, holiday recipe, holidays, recipe, recipe blog, sweets, thanksgiving, thanksgiving recipe, vegetarian

These cookies are really delicious; they are buttery, flakey and packed with a burst of real vanilla. The first time I made them was for Thanksgiving in 2007 with my Aunt Susan. It was my first experience with a Sunset Magazine recipe, and I now know that Sunset never steers you wrong. She had the Sunset Thanksgiving Edition of that year, so that was the first year that I really began to turn to Sunset for holiday recipe inspiration, and thus my love for Sunset Magazine began. The most recent time that I visited her house, I found this goldmine:

I love Sunset Magazine

If you live in the west you really should check out this magazine. It is packed with amazing recipes, travel tips, day trip and weekend getaway destinations in the west, gardening advice and information about unique plants, and more. Sunset Magazine has been around for a long time, I even found some interesting editions from the 1930’s in an antique store! It is a really great magazine and I can’t wait to catch up on 6 months of it when I get home.

These buttery vanilla bean cookies were so decadent and easy that I have continued to make them almost every Autumn afterwards. It’s funny how a recipe can remind you of a season, but these cookies really could be made any time of year. You could simply substitute another shaped cookie cutter instead of the Fall leaf ones. In addition, these are egg free cookies, so they would be great for someone with an egg allergy.

Thanksgiving Vanilla Bean Cookie Recipe via Tsiporah Blog

I hope you’ll add these cookies to your Thanksgiving recipe repertoire, or at least save them for the winter holidays. They would be perfect with a warm mug of french press coffee or apple cider after dinner!

Buttery Vanilla Bean Cookies

Original recipe from Sunset Magazine Nov. 2007

Ingredients

1 cup of butter at room temperature, plus 1 tbsp
3/4 cup white sugar
1 vanilla bean
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups flour
Regular or coarse sugar crystals to top, or cinnamon sugar

Special Equipment

Mini Autumn leaf cookie cutters (this links to my favorite ones)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Split the vanilla bean pod in half and use the back of a knife to scrape out the vanilla beans on the inside. Use a mixer on medium to cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter and sugar and then mix on medium speed until the dough forms a ball.

Butter 2 cookie sheets and set aside. Split the dough into two balls and roll out until the dough is 1/8 inch thick. Using the assorted cookie cutters, cut cookies and place on the baking sheet. Use the back of a knife or a toothpick to lightly press lines into the leaf cookies. Sprinkle each cookie with sugar and bake until the edges just begin to become golden brown, about 10-14 minutes, rotating each pan halfway through the cook time.

Let the cookies cool before transferring them to a decorative plate. Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving/Holidays!

Vanilla Bean Butter Cookies for Thanksgiving | #Recipe via Tsiporah Blog

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